What is diabetic neuropathy?

What is diabetic neuropathy?

When you have diabetes (called diabetes), your blood sugar levels are consistently high. Untreated high sugar levels can damage your nerves. The blood vessels that carry oxygen to the nerves are also damaged. Damaged nerves send information slowly or at the wrong time, and the nerve eventually stops sending information to the brain. This damage is called diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathy can occur in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is required to convert glucose into the energy the body needs. Type 2 diabetes is more common. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not use insulin properly, which is called insulin resistance. The body starts to make extra insulin. Over time, the body cannot make enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal.

Neuropathy is a serious complication of diabetes, affecting up to 70% of people with diabetes. Neuropathy can occur anywhere in the body, including the eyes, heart, lungs, and feet.

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type and occurs slowly. Initially, it affects the feet. Peripheral neuropathy can eventually spread to the ankles and legs. Because the nerve has been damaged, the patient does not feel pain. Patients may be unaware of foot injuries, which can lead to open ulcers. If these sores don't heal or become infected, they can lead to more complications. In severe cases, the toe or foot needs to be amputated. Foot ulcers account for 85% of toe or foot amputations. About 50% of amputees die within five years.

Neuropathy can also cause muscle loss. This makes it difficult to stand or walk. People with neuropathy may become depressed and socially isolated. Neuropathy also reduces quality of life.

What factors increase my chances of developing diabetic neuropathy?

People with diabetes can develop neurological problems at any time. Risk increases with age. The highest rates of neurological problems are in people who have had diabetes for at least 25 years.

Neuropathy is more common in people who are overweight and have high cholesterol levels. The risk increases when their blood sugar levels are not adequately controlled. Other risk factors include smoking, heavy drinking, and being tall. Having diabetes and high blood pressure at the same time greatly increases the risk of serious complications.

What is the treatment?

Neuropathy cannot be cured. Nerve damage cannot be reversed. Treatment focuses on three goals. The first is to slow the progression of neuropathy. The second is pain relief. The third is to treat complications such as infection. In order to slow progression, it is crucial to bring blood sugar down to normal levels. Blood sugar monitoring, meal planning, physical activity, and medication can help control blood sugar levels. Good blood sugar control can prevent or delay future problems.

For people with diabetic neuropathy, commonly used medications include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, prescription pain relievers, and topical medications. Many of these drugs are approved to treat other conditions. They are used because of their positive effects. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants are usually prescribed first. Depending on the medication, side effects may include constipation, dizziness, headache, nausea, dry mouth, fatigue, diarrhea, weight gain, and insomnia. Medications only partially relieve pain. Typically, pain is reduced by 30% to 50%. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to lower cholesterol levels. Patients interested in using supplements should discuss this with their doctor first. There is some evidence that L-carnitine and lipoic acid can help reduce pain.

Advice for people with diabetes

• Have a foot exam at least once a year.

• Lose excess weight. Exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet. Buy a cookbook with recipes for people with diabetes.

• Limit alcohol consumption. Quit smoking.

• Control blood pressure. Monitor it daily.

• Check your feet every day. Look for blisters, cuts, bruises, ingrown toenails, and redness or swelling. Check the soles of your feet with a mirror.

• Keep your blood sugar levels within the range recommended by your doctor.

• Conduct A1C lab tests twice a year. This test determines your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months.

• Have an eye exam every year. Your doctor may recommend frequent checkups.

• If complications occur, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can help prevent additional complications.

• Protect your feet. Use lotion if you have dry feet, but not between your toes. Wear well-fitting shoes and socks. Wash your feet with lukewarm water, then dry them carefully. Avoid exposing your feet to high and low temperatures.

• Use different shoes every day. Consult your doctor if you need special shoes. Avoid sandals, high heels and open-toed shoes. Don't go barefoot.

• Be careful when exercising

This disease can be very well controlled and treated by Biophilia Tracker and millimeter waves.